The Echunga Goldfield preserves a wide range of gold mining activity over period of almost 150 years. The field stretches southwards from Hahndorf and comprises three main areas; Hahndorf to Mylor, Old Echunga Diggings (including Chapmans Gully), Jupiter Creek Diggings. Although reef gold was first discovered at the Victoria Mine near Montacute in 1846, and alluvial gold in the Onkaparinga River near Balhannah in 1849, Echunga was the frrst proclaimed goldfield in the State, in 1852. Gold mining contributed greatly to the development of Australia in the latter half of the 19th century. The gold resources were widely distributed, and towns grew overnight as news of rich finds attracted rushes of thousands of men. However, the gold finds in South Australia were too small (0.25% of the Australian total production) to play a major part in the economic development of the State. Though they stimulated much local excitement and caused significant short term population movements, they could not compete with mineral discoveries in other States which led to mass exodus from South Australia on several occasions. This publication includes, detailed history, plans of workings, historical newspaper reports and points of interest along Echunga and Jupiter Creek Gold Diggings walking trails.
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